In The Woods

 "All morning I worked on the proof of one of my poems, 

and I took out a comma; in the afternoon I put it back."

Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900

My first "real" writing desk. No computers and internet back then.

September 30th at the Sawmill Center for the Arts in Cook Forest State Park, I will be attending the "Writers in the Woods" conference. I first heard about this conference last year but was unable to attend. When the invite came in August, I studied the workshops and decided to go! 

The Sawmill Center for the Arts is a delightful place to visit. Artisans from across the state sell their wares during the summer months and during special events, like the Gingerbread Tour coming up in November where 80 local artisans display their hand-crafted items.

I've picked up a few cards and pictures through the years and some handmade towels among other things. It's always fun to walk through it and see the creativity of others.

"It is my ambition to say in ten sentences what others say in a whole book."

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsch, 1844-1900

Another writing desk with my favorite things: Eeyore, my Hershey bear, my cinnamon bear, a chocolate kiss, the little hurricane lamp, Longaberger baskets, and peonies.

I've taken classes and attended other writer's conferences but haven't enjoyed one in many years. My first class was via snail mail titled "Writing Non-Fiction." A few years later I attended a three-day conference near Philadelphia with a dear friend. 

One of the workshops on the 30th had an intriguing titled: "The Art of Praise." The description asked: "How can gratitude and appreciation motivate our written creativity?" The three other workshops touch on writing your life story, creativity with language, and compositional hiking where we will take a short, non-strenuous (I like that) walk in Cook Forest.

I think it will be fun to listen to instructors talking about one of my favorite things to do: write. 

"Don't forget, no one else sees the world the way you do,

so no one else can tell the stories that you have to tell."

Charles de Lint

Registration ends on the 15th. If any of my PA friends are interested, I would love to have the company of a friend. You can contact Lora Zill at timesing@zoominternet.net to have a brochure emailed to you or call Lora at 814-439-0914. The cost is $55 and the conference is from 10 to 4, including lunch.

My life verse in writing: Proverbs 11:25

Magnet created by Karla Dornacher, author, artist and friend.

Writing in the woods. I like the sound of that. 

"The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do."

Thomas Jefferson, 1743-1826

And here you are friends. One of my earliest creations in my writing life. I started out with poems:

Born Again

February 1979

"My Sunday mornings have never been so bright.

Not like a shining star glowing in the night.

Or the flash of lightning during a summer storm,

Like brightness my eyes have never seen before.

"What a beautiful evening it was the night I found,

The love that people told me was all around.

The trust and praise I felt within my soul,

for Jesus Christ, the Son of God, I'd never known.

"My reason for life has now been defined.

Fulfillment lies in now opened eyes.

My life will be led through faith and prayer,

Thank you, Father, I'm so thankful You are there."

By His Grace . . .